Former speaker Park pleads guilty

Former National Assembly Speaker Park Hee-tae reportedly pleaded guilty to charges that he ordered his aide to provide money to a lawmaker before a ruling party leadership election.

Park resigned in February after lawmaker Koh Seung-duck alleged that Park’s secretary left an envelope containing 3 million won in his office, possibly seeking his vote for Park in an election to choose the chair of the then-Grand National Party in 2008.

He was indicted in the same month for violation of the law on political parties.

Park sent a letter of opinion to a court admitting to all charges, his legal representative Kim Tae-young was quoted as saying by a newspaper on Friday. He wants to conclude the case as early as possible, the lawyer said.

The first court hearing is scheduled for Monday.

It was the first time a legislative chief stepped down over a money-related scandal.